According to The Portuguese American Journal The World Travel Awards is considered the “Oscars of Tourism” and cited that The Azores were announced at a gala ceremony held on 1 December at the Burj Al Arab Jumeirah Hotel in Dubai.

Executive Director of Visit Azores expressed that “This global recognition is the icing on the cake, after the Azores consecutively won, in the years 2020, 2021 and 2022, the title of Best Adventure Destination in Europe.”

“The Azores, by receiving this global distinction, assert themselves as an international icon on the tourist scene, offering a unique combination of activities and the emotion provided by their stunning landscapes,” he added.

According to the journal, Portugal as a country was named “Europe’s Leading Destination” by the prestigious World Travel Awards. The country won 17 awards in total—with regions such as the Algarve, Lisbon and Porto securing the top spot in a diverse range of categories.

Created in 1993, the World Travel Awards recognise the work developed in the area of ​​the tourist industry at a global level, to stimulate the competitiveness and quality of tourism.

World Travel Awards ceremonies are widely regarded as the best networking opportunities in the travel industry worldwide attended by government and industry leaders, luminaries, and international print and broadcast media.

Most recently, the Azores were awarded the 2021 “Platinum Quality Coast Destination” an international award distinguishing coastal environmental quality for sustainable tourism.

The Platinum “Quality Coast” certification is the highest level global recognition award for the destination’s quality and management, based on criteria defined by Green Destinations.